Three-Dimensional Design Optimization Of An Anode-Supported SOFC Using FEM
Author
Summary, in English
Abstract in Undetermined
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising as energy producing devices, which at this stage of development will require extensive analysis and benefit from numerical modeling. A 3D model is developed based on the FEM for a single cell planar SOFC design optimization. Ion, electron, heat, gas-phase species and momentum transport equations are implemented and coupled to the kinetics of electrochemical reactions. High current density spots are identified, where the electron transport distance is short and the oxygen concentration is high. The relatively thin cathode results in a significant oxygen mole fraction gradient in the direction normal to the main flow direction. The electron transport especially within the cathode is found to be limiting for the electrochemical reactions at positions far from the channel walls (interconnect ribs). It is concluded that an increased pore size in the cathode support layer increases the current density more than an increased pore size in the anode support layer.
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising as energy producing devices, which at this stage of development will require extensive analysis and benefit from numerical modeling. A 3D model is developed based on the FEM for a single cell planar SOFC design optimization. Ion, electron, heat, gas-phase species and momentum transport equations are implemented and coupled to the kinetics of electrochemical reactions. High current density spots are identified, where the electron transport distance is short and the oxygen concentration is high. The relatively thin cathode results in a significant oxygen mole fraction gradient in the direction normal to the main flow direction. The electron transport especially within the cathode is found to be limiting for the electrochemical reactions at positions far from the channel walls (interconnect ribs). It is concluded that an increased pore size in the cathode support layer increases the current density more than an increased pore size in the anode support layer.
Department/s
Publishing year
2013
Language
English
Pages
2485-2494
Publication/Series
ECS Transactions
Volume
57
Issue
1
Full text
- Available as PDF - 427 kB
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Document type
Conference paper
Publisher
ECS
Topic
- Energy Engineering
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1938-5862
- ISSN: 1938-6737